Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) trees grow in northern India and Europe. Their nuts are shiny and brown. Horse chestnut gets its name from marks found on its branches that resemble horseshoes.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTSHorse chestnut is rich in saponins and flavones, while, horse chestnut seed extract contains beta-aescin and many flavonoids. In most products, the extracts are standardized to 20% or more aescin.

CHESTNUT HEALTH BENEFITSIn the past, teas made from horse chestnut were used to treat diarrhea and hemorrhoids, and it was also used topically on sores and rashes. Without much scientific evidence, horse chestnut is believed to have benefits on people suffered from fevers and arthritis. Horse chestnut may also benefit people with swelling and pain due to hemorrhoids, veins (phlebitis), varicose veins and other chronic circulation problems. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties and be able to inhibit hyaluronidase.

Horse chestnut side effectsThe excellent tolerability of aescin in the clinical trials indicates that aescin or horse chestnut extracts have a definite clinical benefit in patients with clinical conditions resulting in chronic venous insufficiency, haemorrhoids or peripheral oedema formation. [8] However, whole horse chestnut seed is different from horse chestnut seed extract; the whole horse chestnut seed is believed to be toxic. Read the product label carefully before use.

In general, horse chestnut extract is safe; side effects are usually mild and infrequent. [4]

The side effects of horse chestnut may include stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. And, you may also experience symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing may occur, if you are allergic to chestnut. [5] Horse chestnut has anti-clotting activities, you should avoid using horse chestnut if you are on NSAIDs, aspirin or other anti-clotting therapies. [1,3,9]

Approximately 30-50% of individuals who are allergic to natural rubber latex show an associated hypersensitivity to some plant-derived foods, especially freshly consumed fruits. This association of latex allergy and allergy to plant-derived foods is called latex-fruit syndrome. Chestnut has been associated with this syndrome. The prevailing hypothesis is that allergen cross-reactivity is due to IgE antibodies that recognize structurally similar epitopes on different proteins that are phylogenetically closely related or represent evolutionarily conserved structures. Several types of proteins have been identified to be involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. [7]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RESEARCH STUDIESAescin, the major active principle from Aesculus hippocastanum (Hippocastanaceae) the horse chestnut tree, has shown satisfactory evidence for benefits on chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), haemorrhoids and post-operative oedema. [8]

Aescin Benefits - anti-oedematous, anti-inflammatory and venotonic propertiesAescin's therapeutic benefit is well supported by a number of experimental investigations in different animal models, indicative of anti-oedematous, anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties, mainly related to the molecular mechanism of the agent, allowing improved entry of ions into channels, thus raising venous tension in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Other mechanisms, i.e. release of PGF(2) from veins, antagonism to 5-HT and histamine, reduced catabolism of tissue mucopolysaccharides, further underline the wide ranging mechanisms of the therapeutic activity of aescin. [8]

CHESTNUT SKIN BENEFITS - BLOOD SUGAR REGULATIONKanebo says it has found a way of extracting polyphenols from chestnut skin, which could then be used to regulate blood sugar levels. [2]

HORSE CHESTNUT BENEFIT - ON CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY / platelet aggregationSuperficial thrombophlebitis is a common disease for older people. And, it affects more on females. If deep venous thrombosis is involved, the typical medical treatment is heparin or low-molecular weight heparins. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are needed to alleviate pain and inflammation, in some cases. If concomitant chronic venous insufficiency happens, horse chestnut extracts from seeds and bark are often used to support the therapy. [6]

studies showed that horse chestnut extract dose-dependently contracted both veins and arteries. ADP-induced human platelet aggregation was significantly reduced by horse chestnut. A further reduction was seen with the extract in the presence of ketanserin. In conclusion, horse chestnut contraction of both veins and arteries is, at least partly, mediated through 5-HT(2A) receptors. Human platelet aggregation is reduced by horse chestnut. [Phytother Res. 2010 Sep;24(9):1297-301]

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTSThe general recommended dosage of extract is usually 500 to 650 mg daily, divided into two doses. The dose should be equivalent to 90 and 150 mg of aescin. Once benefit is noted, the dosage can be significantly reduced. People with edema should use horse chestnut under doctor's supervision.

Full Spectrum Horse Chestnut, 300 mg, Planetary FormulasAccording to its label, the serving size is 1 tablet. Each serving contains 55 of calcium, 300 mg of horse chestnut seed extract (standardized to 20% aescin, yielding of 60 mg of aescin). Take 1 horse chestnut tablet, two times daily between meals.